Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has called off its two-day strike and resumed work.
Gatekeepers News reports that the association however handed Federal Government a fresh two-week ultimatum to meet its demands.
The strike, which began on Friday, caused disruptions in public hospitals nationwide, forcing consultants and other health workers to handle overwhelming caseloads while patients endured long delays.
Confirming the suspension, NARD President, Dr. Tope Osundara, said, “Some of our demands have been met. The government has promised to look into other issues.”
“Strike suspended; resumption of work tomorrow (today). We did this as a sign of goodwill and to assist Nigerians who are seeking healthcare in our various facilities.”
In a communiqué released after an Extraordinary National Executive Council (NEC) meeting on Saturday, the doctors explained that the decision was influenced by assurances from the Federal Government and the commencement of payments for the 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund to members previously excluded.
The communique, signed by Dr. Osundara, General Secretary Dr. Oluwasola Odunbaku, and Publicity and Social Secretary Dr. Omoha Amobi, read, “After due deliberations, considering the plight of Nigerians who are grappling with health issues under the present harsh economy, the NEC resolved to suspend the strike action effective 8:00 a.m. on Sunday, 14th September, 2025, to allow the Government a two-week window to fully implement the demands contained in our communiqué.”
Among NARD’s demands are immediate payment of 2025 Medical Residency Training Fund, settlement of five months’ arrears from the 25–35 per cent Consolidated Medical Salary Structure review, payment of the 2024 accoutrement allowance arrears, and prompt disbursement of specialist allowances.
The association also insisted on recognition of West African postgraduate membership certificates by the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria, as well as issuance of membership certificates by the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria to all qualified candidates.
On state-level issues, NARD warned the Oyo State Government to resolve welfare concerns affecting doctors at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Ogbomoso, within 15 days.
It cautioned, “Failure to comply will leave us with no choice but to embark on an indefinite solidarity strike by our members in Oyo State.”
It further noted that resident doctors in state-owned tertiary hospitals already on strike may continue their industrial actions until their governments show genuine commitment to addressing their grievances.
